"The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" entertains with its fiery wave of action and adventure. However, it remains hamstrung by its own middle chapter narrative problems. Clearly forced into a trilogy stretch for the cash-cow potential of a single book, this second "Hobbit" film proves that one can have too much of a good thing when it comes to delivering a quota of thrills, but still end up as yet another ponderous placeholder for the grand finale. At the very least,
Tag: movie franchise
‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’ Film Review: Burning the sophomore flame
"The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" is a smashing sci-fi commentary that is in many ways full of good old-fashioned escapism. It is often full of well-paced action, fluid drama and subtle romance, as well as ornate costumes and seamless CG effects. It is every bit an intense and gripping piece of entertainment with no line or character getting wasted on screen. Cleverly helmed by Francis Lawrence, this follow-up to the 2012 blockbuster film takes the popular franchise into a deeper
‘Shrek Forever After’ Film Review: Happily ogre after?
While it occasionally provides good laughs, this fourth "Shrek," like its main ogre, is confused and way beyond its prime. For its long-time followers, "Shrek Forever After" is passable entertainment. It is for those who grew up with the franchise and not the type that could easily add new toddler fans. In any case, the "Shrek" brand still works for the DVD and Blu-ray market with a potentially good spot for top home video sales charts. "Shrek Forever After" begins so mediocre.